Duty Counsel

7 months ago

Ottawa, Canada Legal Aid Ontario Full time

**Company Bio**

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

**Primary function**

To provide duty counsel services at the Ottawa Courthouse and the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre. The individual selected for this position may rotate between these locations.

Home location: Ottawa Courthouse - 161 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Secondary/Tertiary locations can include: The Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre - 2244 Innes Road, Ottawa

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services (Criminal) - Ottawa Courthouse

**Key accountabilities**
- Provide high quality legal services in a cost effective manner.
- Assist unrepresented clients who have been charged with criminal offences
- Courageous advocacy on behalf of clients who are often dealing with mental health issues, addiction, poverty, and homelessness.
- Represent clients for bail hearings, guilty pleas/sentencing hearings and remands both in-person and remotely, as needed.
- Represent clients in specialty courts, including Adult and Youth Mental Health Court, Indigenous Peoples Court, and Drug Treatment Court.
- Conduct counsel and judicial pre-trials for the purpose of resolutions.
- Provide legal advice to clients in and out of custody. Includes general information on legal aid processes.
- Assess clients’ needs in order to make referrals to appropriate community services. This includes the early identification of vulnerable clients to proactively offer referrals to support services.
- Liaise with stakeholders, including detention centre staff, police division staff, Crown Attorneys, court staff, and community agencies.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge about criminal law and practice.
- Timely file management, as per LAO requirements (this includes using computer technology, smartphones and required software).
- Data collection, including timely recording of services provided.
- Remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
- Identify and communicate risks to LAO.
- Punctual attendance at court or online to perform daily duties.
- Certificate referrals and referrals to other LAO services, as required.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices amongst colleagues.
- Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned

**Required skills & experience**
- Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Ability and willingness to travel between the Ottawa Courthouse and OCDC, as needed.
- Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and relevant case-law.
- Previous experience in criminal law and strong advocacy skills in the Ontario Court of Justice.
- Experience representing clients with complex legal issues, including representing clients for bail hearings and guilty pleas. Trial experience and experience in specialty courts and conducting bail reviews is considered an asset.
- Client-focused with excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
- Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
- Experience working with marginalized and vulnerable clients.
- Knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures.
- Ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills - ability to work in a large team setting, relate to other staff and manage through conflict.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Capability with LAO programs including the Duty Counsel Worksheet (Service Integration), PeopleSoft and Legal Aid Online.
- Capability with Microsoft 365 programs (Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and other computer-based programs such as Zoom, JVN and Skype.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice.
- French language, or other language skills is considered an asset.

This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire.

**Equity Statement**

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limit

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